Exotic pet laws in New Mexico

Every animal in our directory, checked against New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish (19.35.7 NMAC importation; Director's Species Importation List) rules and New Mexico statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonBanned19.35.7 NMAC2026-07-03
MonkeyBanned19.35.7 NMAC2026-07-03
ServalBanned19.35.7 NMAC2026-07-03
Fennec FoxBanned19.35.7 NMAC2026-07-03
Sugar GliderPermit Required19.35.7 NMAC2026-07-03
HedgehogLegal19.35.7 NMAC (importation of live nongame wildlife)2026-07-13
FerretLegalNMAC 19.35 (domestic ferret not regulated wildlife)2026-07-13

Animals banned in New Mexico

  • Raccoon — Raccoon (any type) is Group IV, state-protected - importation prohibited for the public
  • Monkey — All non-human primates are Group IV - importation prohibited for the public
  • Serval — Serval is Group IV - importation prohibited for the general public
  • Fennec Fox — Fox (any type) is Group IV, state-protected - importation prohibited for the public

Permit-required animals in New Mexico

  • Sugar Glider — Sugar glider is Group II - importation permit required, not banned

Legal without a permit in New Mexico

  • Hedgehog — Legal — no possession permit; standard import rules apply when bringing one in
  • Ferret — Legal — treated as a domestic animal, not regulated by Game & Fish

How New Mexico regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish (19.35.7 NMAC importation; Director's Species Importation List). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.

Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish (19.35.7 NMAC importation; Director's Species Importation List) before acquiring any animal.